Anemia Overview

What is anemia?

a group of diseases characterized by a decrease in Hb or circulating RBCs

How does WHO define anemia?

hemoglobin < 13 g/dL in men

hemoglobin < 12 g/dL in women

what is erythropoietin (EPO)?

a hormone produced by the kidneys, which initiates and stimulates RBC production

what is the role of EPO?

prevents apoptosis of erythroid precursor cells and allow their proliferation and subsequent maturation

what signals the kidneys to increase the production and release of EPO into the plamsma?

a decrease in tissue oxygen concentration

T/F: erythropoiesis is regulated by a feedback loop

true

describe the process of pluripotent stem cells turning into erythrocytes (RBCs)

pluripotent stem cells —> erythroblast —> reticulocyte (iron is incorporated here) —> sent to circulation —> erythrocyte (aka RBCs)

what are the main causes of anemia?

Hypoproliferation, maturation disorder, premature death